Approved minutes for November 27, 2017          Approved December 4, 2017.

UC members present: Bowers, Litovsky, Ventura, Wanner (chair), Warfield

UC member absent: Amasino

Others present: S. Smith, J. Richard, N. Connor, J. Smith, H. Daniels, M. Felber, C. Springer

Chair Anja Wanner called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Marsha Mailick and Associate Vice Chancellor Nadine Connor discussed a possible Research Professor title with the UC. The OVCRGE has proposed, and the URC has endorsed, a possible position description, but have agreed to put it on hold until Academic Staff finish work on research titles. Ample discussion included working titles, dual rles, and how this title fits with TTC, varying school/college practices, and other “professor” titles. AS proposal may align with OVCRGE recommendation or may not; Senate can make final decision. Mailick indicated that the IRB working group is in the process of preparing its report and provided a preview of her upcoming State of the Research Enterprise address to the Senate.

Wanner directed attention to the Athletic Board annual report and invited comment. Secretary of the Faculty Steve Smith provided a brief update on developments related to UW System restructuring and the move of UW Extension back to the Madison campus. The minutes of the meeting of November 20, 2017, were approved with amendments. The UC reviewed the December Faculty Senate agenda. 

Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf updated the UC on the status of searches for a new CIO and directors of libraries and Morgridge, as well as the four dean reviews conducted this fall. An improved, streamlined process for the latter seems to have been successful and has led to good input, while being less onerous on all involved. Mangelsdorf was joined by Casey Nagy for a discussion of UW System restructuring. Nagy reported on the first monthly meeting of the UWS steering team and explained the structure he is creating on campus. Almost all of UWS effort is focused on absorption of the colleges, and Extension-Madison questions will be left pretty much up to us. (UWS has created three working groups: Athletics, Recruitment, and Accreditation.) Nagy will send weekly updates to UC and meet with them regularly as well. Ample discussion, including of role of governance groups, deadlines, and roles of various working groups. Nagy recognizes critical role of tenure in these discussion and faculty purview in that area. UC expressed some concern about lack of faculty voice in campus structure. Nagy explained that governance will have advisory/consultative role and not be subjected to operational and detail work. 

Terry Warfield moved to convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c) and (f) to discuss personnel matters. The motion was seconded and passed at 3:01 p.m. The UC discussed committee appointments, primarily search and screen for new Vice Chancellor for Student Affair. Warfield moved to reconvene in open session. The motion was seconded and passed at 3:13 p.m. PROFS lobbyist Jack O’Meara presented a summary of bills PROFS is working on. PROFS President Dorothy Farrar Edwards discussed the PROFS annual report with the UC. Conversation focused primarily on ways to increase faculty voice and participation, particularly with regards to interactions with the state. Wanner adjourned the meeting at 3:37 p.m.